15 men gathered to bring in the New Year at Skunkworks. With rain expected, YHC was unsure as to what kind of turnout we might have. With so much unknown, a reconnaissance mission was done on Monday to determine places that we could work out in the event of inclement weather. During that mission, YHC noticed that the overhead lights were left on at the tennis courts pavilion– making for the perfect landing spot, rain or shine.
Upon arrival, I was impressed to see the dedicated pre-runners doing their thing and plenty of other dedicated men rolling in early. At exactly 5:30, the disclaimer was given and the PAX was reminded to modify if needed, especially if the holidays forced you to take a hiatus from posting. COP began promptly following the disclaimer and it went like this:
SSH x 20
IW x 20
LSS x 20
KB swings x 20 (OYO)
Good mornings x 15
Merkins x 20
KB swings x 30 (OYO)
The PAX then moseyed to end of parking lot with KBs where the group was instructed to further mosey to the tennis courts pavilion. Once at the pavilion, the group of 15 was split evenly into 5 groups of 3.
The Thang–
Circuit training at its finest. 5 stations and 4 rounds of varying exercises to produce the full body workout.
Round 1: Station 1– 2-handed KB swings
Station 2– Goblet squats, butt to bench
Station 3– Incline merkins
Station 4– Cleans
Station 5– Run/Timers (ran to circled parking lot at end of street and back)
Round 2: Station 1– 2-handed high pulls
Station 2– Romanian dead lift/Good mornings
Station 3– Decline merkins
Station 4– Snatches
Station 5– Run/Timers
Round 3: Station 1– Bicep curls
Station 2– Step ups
Station 3– Tricep press
Station 4– Overhead press (1 or 2-handed)
Station 5– Run/Timers
Round 4: Station 1– Freddie Mercury
Station 2– Dips
Station 3: LBCs with KB
Station 4: 1-handed rows
Station 5: Run/Timers
Farmer carry back to parking lot and the workout ended right on time.
Moleskin–
My first Q at Skunkworks and I have to admit that the weather did keep me up at night. The Bible tells us not to worry about things we can’t control, but I didn’t want to fail the PAX in my first Q! I thoroughly enjoyed this group, and I definitely think the light at the pavilion added a different element. I realized how unusual it was to be able to see faces while we worked out. And I also think seeing faces brings out better sarcasm and jokes, from Bananas and Brown in particular!
Though some exercises got a bit long in duration, it gave us time to consult Bulldog on all things England– travel, currency exchange rates, and Brexit. Who knew you could get an international current events lesson at Skunkworks!
The Skunkworks guys continue to impress. Dedicated, hard-working, and relentless work ethics make this site truly one of the best in Area 51. Thanks to Harley and Fletch for the opportunity to lead. And thank you to Lex Luthor for the take out prayer.
Announcements– None.
16 of South Charlotte’s finest gathered for the annual 12 Days of Skunkmas
Warm-Up
Day 1: one dozen burpees
Day 2: two turkish getups (KB optional)
Day 3: three snatches each side
Day 4: four renegade rows each side
Day 5: five lunges each side
Day 6: six shoulder press each side
Day 7: seven goblet squats
Day 8: eight Louganis
Day 9: nine Russian twists each side
Day 10: ten one-handed swings each arm
Day 11: eleven single handed Romanian deal lift each leg
Day 12: twelve clean and press (six each side)
Ladder up adding each day to the previous set (12 exercises on day 12)
Christmas is about traditions, and the Skunkworks 12 Days of Christmas tradition is a fine one. Straight punch to the face that does not let up for 45 minutes. We modified the burpees to ladder down so that we could get each day in on time. Thanks to TR for starting this tradition several years ago, hoping he enjoys his new life as a skinny armed sprinter. Thanks to Brown for the Christmas tunes. Merry Christmas!
Post Halloween work out where I’m sure we all wanted to stay in bed. With that said everyone did great as it was a good mix of laps and KB work. Great Job by all!
THE THANG
WARM UP
20 SSH IN CADENCE
20 imperial walkers in cadence
Mosey To Lower Lot:
Partner work: One takes the Lap from Middle Lot up to Road and Back while other works the plan
50 Two handed Swings, Lap
40 merkins, Lap
20 SSH IN CADENCE
40 alternating swings, Lap
40 tea bag squats, Lap
30 single arm swings, Lap
30 merkins, Lap
20 upright row and presses, Lap
20 diamond merkins, Lap
20 Louganis with KB
20 mason twists each side with no bell
15 Louganis with KB
15 mason twists each side with no bell
50 KB curls
Thanks,
ExLax
—-
ExLax was not much on witty banter. Workout started a bit rough with 28 of South Charlotte’s finest lined up and ready to go. ExLax gave some type of disclaimer and then said something like “I haven’t really been out in a while…but here goes.” A bit choppy on the cadence and then off for the obligatory mosey. And then ExLax dropped the hammer. KBs followed by a brutal 1/4 mile lap…over and over. Lots of rabbits out there, thanks to Stone Cold for pushing the pace on the hill. Always great to see Runstopper looking good in the tights. Hops trying to rally the troops for the Cubbies. Remember, Skunkworks is not just KBs, expect some mileage. And if that’s not enough, show up at 5am for a 3 mile pre-run with Fletch. Pop Tart on lead for next week. Well done today!
Harley
29 of South Charlotte’s finest got after it at Skunkworks this am. Plenty of KBs, running and some social time.
Warm-Up
– Side straddle hop
– Imperial walkers
– 2-handed swings
– Good mornings
Touch the Rock
– Partner up
– Partner 1 run and touch the rock, partner 2 KB exercise, flap jack
– 2-handed swings
– Cleans
– Squats
Catch me if you can with new partner to benches at bottom of parking lot, 10 merkin chaser
Run the Median
– New partner
– Partner 1 run around the median, partner 2 KB exercise, flap jack
– Flutter w/ KB press / backwards run out
– Dolly w/ KB press / karaoke
– Louganis w/ KB / straight run
– Catch me if you can to front of church, 10 merkin chaser
Run the Hill
– New partner
– Partner 1 run to second median and back, partner 2 KB exercise, flap jack, partner 1 run to road and back, partner 2 KB exercise, flap jack
– 1-handed swings
– Snatches
– Overhead press
– Catch me if you can back home, 10 merkin chaser
– KB lunges to burn the last minute
29 strong out there with plenty of fire and vigor (and smack talk)…so I put in plenty of running to make sure the potential smack talkers were winded. Lots of new faces coming out to Skunkworks, so the goal was to make it a bit of a social with multiple partners (awkward wording).
A couple of notes. F3 is a place for any guy to come and work out regardless of physical fitness. However, don’t expect to come to Skunkworks and not get heckled, this is supposed to be a really hard workout (hopefully it was). Not just KBs. Fireman Ed’s transformation to runner is almost complete, fast legs. Welcome FNG Driftwood as expertly named by Bulldog. Crotch Rocket was present showing his love for Area 51. Always an honor to lead this group. Stone Cold on lead next week.
— Harley
9 regulars showed up for Hydra this am. We stretched it out a bit and were off for some running.
Warm-Up
– SSH
– IW
– Good mornings
– Jog to bottom of large hill on Summerlin (Summerlin and Abbotswood)
Suicide Hill
– 10 Merkins at first speed bump, run back down hill, 10 squats
– 10 wide arms at second speed bump, ditto
– 10 diamonds at third speed bump, ditto
Run to Foxworth Drive, lunge walk along the way
Run the smaller hill
– Round 1: run up, 10 dollies, back down
– Round 2: backwards up, 10 flutters each leg, back down
Run through the very dark woods to the football field for some field work
– Jog/sprint
– Karaoke
– Broad jumps
– Bear clawl / crab walk
– Run to benches
DDJ
– 20 Dips, run to light pole and back
– 10 Derkins, run around baseball field
– 10 Jump ups
– Mosey to pull up bars
Pull ups
– 10 pull ups x 2
– 10 old school situps x 2
Finish
– Mosey back to parking lot
– LBC
– Freddy Mercury forwards and backwards
Solid group out there today. Lots of chatter for just 9 of us. We covered over 3 miles with plenty of elevation change, group stayed very tight the whole time although Spackler was killing the hills. The run through the woods was VERY dark. Strange that we did not see the giant harvest moon that was out on the drive in. Bounce and I consoled each other about the fears that the Neflix series Stranger Things has created, thankfully there was no blood as we tried to find our way through the woods. It was an honor to lead. Thanks for the takeout Side Car.
— Harley
7 men dried up their Panther tears (teal tears) and showed up for some fun Friday at Kevlar. Here’s what we did.
Warm-Up
– Side straddle hop
– Good mornings
– Imperial walkers
Run to Warner Park Dodging Cars
Field Work, 100 yards
– 50%/80% run
– Backwards run
– Karaoke
– High knees, butt kickers
Starfish Round #1 (arms)
– 20 merkins
– 20 Carolina dry docks
– 20 wide arm merkins
– 20 diamond merkins
– 5 jump squats each time back to the middle
Starfish Round #2 (legs)
– 20 deep squats
– 10 one legged squats
– 10 one legged squats
– 20 lunges
– 3 burpees each time back to the middle
Pavilion
– People’s Chair with air presses x2
– Balls to the Wall
Frogger back across Hwy 51 to tennis pavilion
– Dips / run around church sign
– Derkins / run around church sign
– Step ups / run around church sign
Back to parking lot for some stretching
Somehow I feel like I was tricked into leading on the Friday of BRR and the day after the weeknight Panthers season opener. Someone had to do it, so no offense taken…but I probably would have been sleeping if I were not leading. Tried to keep it light with lots of variety. Those cars come fast down 51, I hear we almost lost Cottontail. Disclaimer was given. Enjoy the weekend. Pray for safety of runners on BRR.
Harley
20 of south Charlotte’s best took on Skunkworks this am.
Warm-up
– SSH
– Imperial Walkers
– 10 burpees
– 25 two-handed swings
– 15 burpees
– KB figure eight
– 10 burpees
– KB halo
Catch me if you can
– Mosey to back road, partner up with like size KB
– Partner 1: farmer carry, partner 2: 10 merkins and chase, switch
– Finish at bottom of parking lot around church
KB Suicides Set
– Run to first curb and back, 5 snatches
– Run to second curb and back, 10 cleans
– Run to road and back, 15 squats
– Repeat using opposite arm
– Plankorama
Partner Hill Work
– Find partner again for combined set
– 200 swings, 5 burpees at top of hill
– 100 triceps, 10 merkins at top of hill
– 25 snatches, 10 jumping lunges at top of hill
Catch me if you can back to parking lot
Good group out there this morning, always an honor to lead. Morning temp was finally under 70 degrees, but it’s probably not going to last. Brought back some moves we have not had in a while – catch me if you can around newly remodeled church and school, burpees and more burpees (crowd pleaser). Great to see new faces, should be a big group in a couple of weeks once the Fast Twitchers make their way back.
Announcements
– convergence on Wed. Sept. 10 for 5 year south charlotte anniversary, 5:15-6:15 at Calvary
– prayers for Destiny
– Young Life Mud Run on Sept. 17 at Whitewater Center, family friendly event
— Harley
16 gathered for some KBs, running and an F3 golf sponsorship shakedown.
Warm Up
– SSH
– Imperial Walkers
– Swings
– Goblet Squats
– Round the head both ways
– Snatches
– Cleans
– 1 legged dead lifts
– Mosey down to parking lot
The KB Ladder
– Perform called set, 20 reps of each, repeat all previous sets, run a lap around church sign and back, perform various mary exercises until everyone finishes lap
1 – Two handed swings
2 – Merkins
3 – Goblet squats
4 – High pulls
5 – Snatches
6 – Overhead press
So last set included each exercise
Mosey Back to Lot
Donate $ or perform 20 burpees, no burpee takers
Solid group out there today for a sweat fest with burpees. The ladder concept hurt both physically and mentally. Welcome FNG Wes Foster (Beef), sent out by an F3 brother in Gastonia, Beef is also a former pro golfer but cannot help your team on Friday.
Skunkworks is sponsoring a hole at this week’s golf tourney. Support is totally voluntary, you can choose either $ or burpees. Donations of $1 and up accepted. We are up to $91 in cash on hand, would like to collect some more. $ goes to a good cause, helping fund F3 expansion.
IOUs from this am include: Tackling Dummy, Side Car, Blazing Saddles, Smokey?, Chin Music?, Bulldog (no pound sterling accepted). Bring cash next week or send to me via paypal at grant.jordan@wellsfargo.com or via SurePay to the same email.
It is an honor to lead this group. Thanks for the prayers Young Love.
— Harley
24 at Skunkworks. Backblast from Arena short and late. Demerits will be issued! Bring $ next week for golf sponsorship support. $1-$5 each or else…
It was a nice warm and muggy morning for good old fashion workout.
Warm Up: A mosey down to the tennis courts and back followed by a series of side-straddle-hops, imperial walkers, and merkins.
The Thang: We broke up into groups of three. Two stations at opposite sides of the ends of the track doing a called exercise. The timer was the third member of the group running along the track from one station to the next. Once they arrived, they would the start the exercise and the other group member took off along the track to the other of the two stations. We continued this until everyone had completed each station 5 times.
Round 1: Double swings/should press
Round 2: Double cleanse/figure 8’s
Round 3: Double high pulls/merkins on the bell
That was enough to fill the time!
Sorry this is so late. I’m really bad at the BB in a timely manner. The audio recording is attached for names and numbers.
Harley – posted for Arena
16 men joined the sweatfest at Hydra and got a little bit of everything.
Warm Up
– SSH
– Imperial Walkers (need to be properly warmed up)
– Lap around mini-track
– Lap around mini-track w/ merkins, wide arms, diamonds and burpees at turns
Starfish
– Start at picnic tables, 4 legs out
– 10 pullups at playground
– 10 lunges on each leg past concession stand
– 10 double burpees at football field
– Bear crawl at baseball field
– Each time back to middle: 15 dips, 10 jumpups, 5 derkins
Football field
– Backwards run (Puddin’ Pop domination)
– Karaoke
– Sprint
Run through Woods
Mini Hill
– 7s, burpees at top, squat jumps at bottom
Run back home, throw some Mary in at the end
Great group today, lots of chatter and heckling of my leadership. I promised no BRR training after last week’s 4.5 miles on hills led by Chico. However, I did not promise no running. It’s a thing of beauty to watch Runstopper knock out burpees, and who knew that Puddin’ Pop was lightning fast on backwards run. Prayer requests for Runstopper’s son who graduated high school and is off to trek the Appalachian Trail. Thanks to Good Hands and Puddin’ Pop for letting me lead.
— Harley